NBA executive believes Karl-Anthony Towns may have played a role in Tom Thibodeau’s firing.
In a stunning move, the New York Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau just days after their run to the Eastern Conference Finals came to an end against the Indiana Pacers.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns
MIN: 35.07
PTS: 23.83 (59.8%)
REB: 12.54
As: 2.73
ST: 0.93
BL: 0.69
TO: 2.58
GM: 90
Thibodeau guided the Knicks to their first East Finals appearance since 2000, and the team appeared to be on the brink of true contention. But now, New York will pursue its championship aspirations under new leadership.
In the aftermath of Thibodeau's dismissal, new details have begun to emerge—pointing to a potential behind-the-scenes influence on the decision.
One anonymous NBA executive told Hoops Wire that Karl-Anthony Towns may have played a key role in the move.
"Who was on the Timberwolves when Thibs got fired in 2019? Who is KAT’s former agent (Leon Rose, who is now the president of the Knicks)? I wouldn’t be surprised at all if KAT told Leon and (James) Dolan during his exit interview that he didn’t want to play for Thibs anymore," NBA executive said.
Credit AP Photo/Frank Franklin II - Scanpix
"Leon always listens to his players. That’s why he was beloved as an agent by all of his clients," he noted.
"Look, I don’t know this for sure, but if I were a betting man, I would bet a lot of money that KAT told Leon and Dolan that he didn’t want to play for Thibs anymore," he stated.
The executive also shed light on the long-standing tension between Thibodeau and Towns, which dates back to their time together in Minnesota.
"They don’t have a good relationship. Thibs likes guys who defend at a high level and take accountability on that end. KAT has never done that. He doesn’t want to. He wants to save his energy for offense," he explained.
Towns averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in his debut season with the Knicks after being traded here last summer.
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